Integrating forestry with the conservation of soil, air and water quality and wildlife habitat

Protecting unique and historical forests

Ensuring the health, productivity and biological diversity of Louisiana's forests

What Is The Sustainable Forestry Initiative?

SFI Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization, solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program. Across the United States and Canada, more than 240 million acres are certified to the SFI management standard, the largest single forest standard in the world. The SFI program means practicing forestry so that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable forestry involves all aspects of foresty, including growing, nurturing and harvesting of trees. Sound forest stewardship is more than just trees. It is a commitment to the conservation of soil, air and water quality along with maintaining healthy and abundant wildlife and fish habitat.

The SFI program responds to local needs and issues across North America through 34 SFI Implementation Committes at the state, provincial or regional level. This unique grassroots network involves private landowners, independent loggers, forestry professionals, local government agencies, academics, scientistis, and conservationists.

SFI Implementation Committees, like the committee in Louisiana, sponsored by the Louisiana Forestry Association, promote the SFI forest management standard as a means to broaden the proctice of reponsible forestry and achieve on-the-ground progress. Through SFI Implementation Committees, Program Participants work with local organizations and individuals, providing leadership and sharing best practices to improve forest management on both certified and uncertified lands. The committees work with local conservation groups, government agencies, forestry and professional associations, landowner groups and many others in landowner outreach and community involvement activities.

The Louisiana Forestry Association through its Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee is the lead agency for implementation of the Louisiana Forestry Initiative program in our state. Other active partners include:

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana State University

Louisiana Forest Products Development Center

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

Louisiana Small Business Development Centers

USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service

USDA-Forest Service

US Department of Labor-OSHA

Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service

Got a Logging Question or Inquiry?

The Louisiana Foresty Association provides an avenue to inquire about logging practices. If you have a question or concern regarding site-specific forestry practices appearing inconsistent with SFI Standards, contact the LFA office by calling (318) 443-2558. Tell the receptionist you have a question or concern to file and your name will be kept confidential and a report wll be given back to you after an inspection by an unbiased forester. We mst have permission from the landowner to go on any property where the alleged violation occured.